Assailant uses box cutter during attack

A Winter Park resident was attacked with a box cutter and raped Friday, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

The victim lives at the Affinity at Winter Park apartment complex at 600 N. Semoran Blvd.

The victim, only described as a young woman, was attacked about 11 a.m., deputies said.

"It's a tragedy. We have an individual, a female, who was home, answers the door and the individual forces his way in," said Sheriff's Office Capt. Angelo Nieves. "This is a dangerous individual we want to get off the streets, and we need your cooperation."

The victim was rushed to a hospital while deputies searched for the assailant on foot, with police dogs and in the sky with the Sheriff's Office helicopter.

A composite sketch of the assailant was released over the weekend. He was described as 5 feet 6 inches tall and in his 30s or 40s.

"I felt safe in my neighborhood. I have been living here. I just renewed my lease for another year," said Kristen Victoria, who lives at the apartment complex. "I mean, we live in Winter Park."

A neighbor who lives next door to the victim did not want to be identified, but he said he worries about his daughter and his wife who are often home alone.

"I only hope whoever the perpetrator (is) can be caught," the neighbor said.

Investigators asked residents if they heard anything unusual.

"When we close these doors, they are tightly sealed, and you can't really hear anything," the neighbor said.